January 6, 2025 update: On Sunday January 5, President Joe Biden signed the Social Security Fairness Act!  Check back soon for an FAQ as more information on implementation becomes available.

Previous article from December 20, 2024: Late this evening the Social Security Fairness Act was passed by an overwhelming majority in a historic vote in the U.S. Senate. The bill, which now goes to President Biden’s desk for his signature, would repeal the WEP/GPO penalties that unfairly take hard-earned Social Security benefits from CFT members who also participate in CalSTRS.

CFT President Jeff Freitas lauded the historic vote in a statement released today, saying it’s only fair that if you pay into Social Security, you have a right to the benefits that you earned. 

“Existing law punishes teachers and faculty for paying into their pensions in addition to qualifying for Social Security outside of public service, leaving educators vulnerable in their elder years even after dedicating their lives to students,” said Freitas. “I don’t know a single educator who chose teaching to make money; we do this work because we want to make a difference in our students’ lives. But educators shouldn’t have to sacrifice hard-earned Social Security benefits because we chose this vital profession.” 

Thanks to the thousands of CFT members who have sent emails and made phone calls, turning up the pressure on our state representatives. Your efforts were essential to move the bill through Congress in this difficult political environment.